E-Paper
Sign In
iPhone | iPad
Android
Sat, Dec 21, 2024 | Jumada al-Aakhirah 20, 1446 | DXB
0°C
Brazil football legend in court to testify in sexual assault probe
A case of rape can receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in Spain
Brazilian defender Dani Alves. — AFP file
Dani Alves was in court Monday to testify to a judge investigating a sexual assault accusation against him.
Alves has been in jail since January 20 after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30.
The Brazilian footballer has denied wrongdoing and said sex with the accuser was consensual.
The court has denied Alves’ request to be freed on bail while the investigation continues, saying he was a flight risk. A trial has not been set.
Alves was detained based on evidence gathered from the initial probe by authorities and testimony from the player, the alleged victim and witnesses.
Under Spain’s sexual consent law passed last year, sexual assault takes in a wide array of crimes from online abuse and groping to rape, each with different possible punishments. A case of rape can receive a maximum sentence of 15 years.
The 39-year-old Alves won 42 titles, including three Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles with Barcelona and two Copa Americas with Brazil. He played in his third World Cup last year in Qatar.
Sign Up For Breaking News Alerts
Be in the know. Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
